Los Angeles, CA – Occidental College's lacrosse team won their home opener on February 25th against Redlands. The Tigers started off strong, scoring nine goals against the Bulldogs in the first quarter and holding them to only two goals. After a hard fought second quarter, the Tigers led 14-4. Then, only a few minutes into the second half, the game was halted by thunder.

After a short break inside the locker room, the Tigers entered the second half refueled and scored nine more goals, ending the game 23-9. It's undeniable that the Tigers' teamwork and strong stick skills contributed to their success as 12 of their 23 goals were assisted. Leading the team with three assists were sophomore attacker Emma Cho and sophomore midfielder Ella Skoglund. 

Although the team was 100% in their initial clearing attempts (7/7), the ball was not often on the Tigers' defensive end since they won 21/34 (or 62%) of draw controls. First-year midfielder Ava Whelan and junior midfielder Bella Kwan led the team with five draw controls, and first-year midfielders Maeve Moylan and Olivia Okamato were close behind with four draw controls each. 

Leading the team in total points were Maeve Moylan with four goals and two assists, Ava Whelan with five goals and one assist, and finally, Emma Cho with an impressive four goals and three assists. Overall, five players scored a hat trick or more (three goals), and despite the rainy weather and its mid-game disruption, the Tigers fiercely defended their home turf.

Hopefully, the weather will be better today, March 1st at 5:00pm, when the Tigers face off against Cal Lutheran at home.